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Friday Deals: MacBook Air, iPad Air, Kindle Fire HDX, iTunes, more

updated 02:43 pm EDT, Fri August 29, 2014

by MacNN Staff

Electronista and MacNN Weekly deals for August 29, 2014

Once again, its time for Friday Deals! Every Friday, we're going to take a look at current sales, and bring you what we think are some of the best bargains on prime apps, gadgets, and peripherals for you, the discriminating MacNN and Electronista reader. All prices are verified at the time of publication, but any sales may not be valid if you're reading a few days down the line. Check pricing before you click buy! As this is a big back-to-school sale week (plus PAX!), we're expecting more deals on things -- check back often over the weekend!

Hardware:

Ending August 30, Staples has the iPad Air 16GB for $469. Not a super deal by itself, but the addition of coupon code "11605" subtracts $100 and adds free shipping! Additionally, rewards members collect points on the purchase to apply against a future transaction with the company.

Looking for an iOS device case? We have some worth your attention. The highly-rated uNu DX external battery and protective case for the iPhone 5 and 5s is available through Groupon for only $36 shipped, using coupon code LABOR10. These cases normally sell for $90, and even Amazon sells them for $61. The cases, available in various colors, offer a 2300mAh battery good for another 10 hours of talk time, and include an integrated charging switch and a one-year warranty.

For non-battery iPhone cases, have a look at the styles in this $1 selection of Dynex cases at Best Buy, or some $6-$10 Caseology models on Ebay, or take 60 percent off Case-Mate's selection during their Summer Clearance sale using code P85Z3N4 (discounts for iPad cases are available as well). So many iPhone 5/5s cases on sale, you'd almost think Apple were about to introduce a new model or two that none of these cases would fit ...

Speaking of iPads, Groupon has a couple of deals going on cases for them. For the iPad mini, you can pick up a Lifeproof Fre which is water-, dirt-, snow- and shock-proof for just $33 (normally $100), or a selection of cases for older iPads up to 90 percent off their retail price.

And before we let go of the iOS device accessory thing, we should mention a great sale on Timbuk2 messenger bags and backpacks, now up to half off their normal price in honor of the company's 25th anniversary. There's also a selection of Incase backpacks on sale for half off from Best Buy until Monday as part of its Labor Day sale.

K-Mart stores that carry the Kindle Fire HDX seven-inch 16GB tablet are selling it for $220 -- they have it for the same price online. "Shop your way" frequent buyer program members also get $66.20 in points with purchase, redeemable for a future order. Points will show up before hitting "purchase" if this offer is selected online. We've also confirmed the deal works in-store, and is a limited time offer.

Back to school, you say? Apple accessory seller OWC has a series of MacBook Air 13-inch models for as low as $559. The 1.7GHz i5 model with 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD is $559, with configurations ranging to 4GB and a 480GB SSD for $879. Newegg.com has the refurbished 2011 Core i5 1.6GHz 11-inch MacBook Air with 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD for $599 for a very limited time.

This doesn't seem like a super deal at first glance, but iOS ports of classic adventure games don't ever seem to get marked down. Dragon Quest VIII has been marked down to $15 from $20 -- this is the first sale ever on the title. System requirements are a little harsh, with the iPhone 4s and original iPad Mini experiencing "instability" during extended play sessions, likely due to less RAM than more advanced devices.

Speaking of classic games, SNK has slashed Metal Slug1, 2, 3, and X down on the iOS App Store to $1 each.

Remake of Sega Genesis platforming adventure game Mickey Mouse: Castle of Illusion has been dramatically cut. The game is currently selling for $1, versus $10. This is the lowest price the game has seen since February.

As part of the iOS App Store's Amazing Apps & Games sale, Lego: The Lord of the Rings has been marked down to $1 from $5. Contains the entire saga, Lego-fied. This is the first markdown on the tile since May, and matches the cheapest its ever been.

Microsoft's xBox "Games with Gold" program is about to shift over again. For today and tomorrow, Strike Suit Zero: Director's Cut is free for the Xbox One, and Dishonored is likewise free for the Xbox 360. Starting September 1, Crimson Dragon and Super Time Force will be free for the Xbox One. The Xbox 360 offerings for the month are co-op heist title Monaco until September 15, with Halo: Reach being free through the end of the month.

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